Korean Job Discussion Forums

[WhileAway]

I am currently teaching physics in an international school. My contract is ending this summer and it looks like it won’t be renewed. I am interested in teaching physics, science or math in a Korean school such as one of the Foreign Language High Schools or maybe a Korean private school. I am US certified for high school physics, math, science, computers.
Anyone ever see or hear of a foreign teacher in a Korean high school who is teaching Math or Science?
Any idea how to get a foot in the door at a Korean foreign language high school or Korean private school? Any idea of the best schools in Seoul?
I am hoping to stay in an international school, but there aren’t many schools here and the competition is tough. Actually I speak Korean at an intermediate level and would be really interested in working in a Korean workplace like a good Korean school. I am not interested in leaving Korea.
Any idea how to get a foot in the door at a Korean foreign language high school, Korean private school or even a regular Korean high school?
Thank you,

[cazzy3]

I'd say check the international school websites to see if there are openings and even if nothing's available, contact them asking about possible employment. Unfortunately, it's often who you know in terms of getting your foot in the door. I worked at the top middle school in Seoul and we received hundreds of applicants for a single position. Although we were obviously looking for the best applicant, it made a huge difference if we could personally vouch for someone.

With many of the true international schools (actual international students) following an American/British schedule, jobs may be hard to come by this spring. You may want to try and find a university job since having a teaching certificate is often appreciated in lieu of a masters degree.

Also, check some of the newer schools that need to hire because of larger enrollments such as Chadwick or Dalton in Incheon. Good luck.

[WhileAway]

Thanks for the information. Actually, I do have my masters and will try for universities too.
Just to be clear though. I was asking about getting into a regular school, not an international school in Korea. I'll try some key international schools (already applied to Chadwick) but I am really interested in teaching science or math (in English) in a regular Korean school (non-international, public or private). Seems like some school might be interested in offering such an option but not sure how to start looking.
Thanks!

[SeoulNate]

Tons of foreign language schools out there as well that need subject teachers. Just do your research on them beforehand.

[WhileAway]

Do you know of any that need subject teachers? That's just what I am trying to find. When I ask around I keep hearing that the Foreign Language Schools only teach language in the foreign language and teach all subjects in Korean.
Would love to hear more about what you mention, SeoulNate. Which schools have you heard this about? Really, really interested.
Thanks

[thetawnyman]

In order to teach science at a regular Korean school, you need a Korean teaching certificate. I've heard the certification exam is pretty hard, even for native speaking Koreans.

Also I've never heard of a non-international school in Korea offering subject classes in English. Some of the foreign language high schools offer after school SAT subject classes. That's about it.

Minsa (Korean Minjok Leadership Academy) is the only Korean private school I can think of that might teach some subjects in English.

[CentralCali]

[greatunknown]

I have a B.Sc and TESOL cert and a recruiter has arranged for me to have an interview m
Monday morning for what was described to me as a GEPIK position at a public foreign language highschool teaching chemistry.

I will let you know what I find out at the interview tomorrow. I have never heard of a teaching job like this so I am also very curious to find out if this is legit or not.

[SeoulNate]

[WhileAway]

I met someone tonight who graduated from one of the best foreign language schools in Korea, up in Nowon-dong. I asked her if she had ever heard of a foreigner teaching a subject-class, other than a language. She laughed in my face, which I found rather insulting. She explained that they have to pass a standardized test for subjects such as sciences and math and would fear that they would fail the subject test if they studied in English rather than Korean. Makes sense really. I would hope that some student would see a benefit in studying in English but I know once the Koreans get into test mode, it is all about getting the highest score possible; and that means studying in Korean. Still, I hope that someday Korea might adopt some practices like Singapore or India and have some public schools that teach all subjects in English.

[thetawnyman]

[swashbuckler]

Math and Science teachers and in demand across the entire world. Why can't you just find another international school job? Why were you fired from there anyway? Did you have some "issues" working at a "real" job like a lot of the long-term esl losers here?

[swashbuckler]

[jvalmer]

[SeoulNate]